PhD Doctoral Student: Auditory Neuroscience

For our research project SOUND, we are looking for a PhD doctoral student who, using the latest neuroimaging techniques as well as clinical data, investigates how speech perception after a cochlear implantation can be better predicted (Predicting Speech Perception Outcomes in Cochlear Implant Candidates Using Neuroimaging Data). The project is being carried out by the research team <<Auditory Pathway>> at the Hearing Research Laboratory of the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of Bern in close cooperation with the University Clinic for Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases at the Inselspital.

Cochlear implants are highly effective neuroprostheses that enable people with severe hearing loss to perceive sounds and understand speech again. How successful speech perception is after implantation varies greatly individually: for about a quarter of the patients, the results fall short of expectations, and reliable prognoses regarding the individual benefit of a cochlear implant before surgery are currently lacking. Evidence suggests that, in addition to the auditory organ, processing and networking in the brain also play an important role. The SOUND Study investigates how these findings can be used for more individualized prognoses.

What to expect

• Within the framework of the SOUND Study, you will investigate the central auditory pathways using the latest imaging techniques. The focus is on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and specialized magnetic resonance imaging sequences (MRI)
• You will combine neuroimaging, audiological, and clinical data and apply statistical methods as well as Machine Learning to recognize patterns related to later speech perception
• You will discuss and interpret your results together with specialists from neuroradiology as well as with clinical and technical experts

What you bring with you

• Master's degree in electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field
• Practical experience in signal processing
• Experience in medical image analysis or interest in learning this field; knowledge in data analysis or Machine Learning is an advantage
• Interest in clinical research and in working with patients, as well as enjoyment of interdisciplinary cooperation
• Very good German and English skills in speaking and writing

Our offer

• You will become part of the interdisciplinary research team <<Auditory Pathway>> at the Hearing Research Laboratory of the ARTORG Center
• You will work together with neuroscientists, physicians, audiologists, and engineers
• Your PhD is integrated into the Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Bern and offers a structured, interdisciplinary education
• You will deepen your knowledge in signal processing, image analysis, and Machine Learning

Questions about the position?

Further information will be gladly provided by

Prof. Dr. med. Stefan Weder
Head of Otology and Hearing Implant Center (HSM)
Head of Research & Innovation

+41 31 63 2 33 47